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West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan is a doubt for the first Test against Australia due to a back injury.

Sarwan suffered the problem while taking part in a fielding drill on Wednesday.

He remained on the floor for several minutes at Allan Border Field before being helped off the ground by team physiotherapist CJ Clark.

The first Test starts at the 'Gabba on Thursday and a decision on the Guyanan right-hander's participation will be left until shortly before the toss.

West Indies will be loath to lose the experienced Sarwan - who made 73 and 66 in the tourists' only warm-up fixture against Queensland - from their top order as skipper Chris Gayle has only just returned to Australia after rushing home to Jamaica last week to be at the bedside of his ill mother.

Gayle will play in the first Test but is likely to be suffering from the effects of jet lag following his arrival in Brisbane on Wednesday.

If Sarwan is ruled out, Gayle revealed either Travis Dowlin or Narsingh Deonarine would take his place.

"It's not good news, but we're going to keep our fingers crossed and hopefully tomorrow he'll be fit," Gayle said.

"He got some runs in the last game so he's in good nick. To lose him at this point in time, it's a crucial point in time, but if that's the case then someone will have to step up and make a giant contribution."

Gayle conceded his own preparation for the series opener had not been ideal.

"It will be difficult but I am committed to it, it doesn't make sense to sit around and watch the team," he added.

"It is always difficult to come in the day before a Test match but what I am trying to do is prepare mentally.

"I will try and lead from the front, it won't be easy but at the same time I am mentally ready, and after hitting the balls in the nets today I am feeling pretty confident.

"It's something you have to deal with, it's not the best thing you want, but we're not looking for any excuse.

"We're all big men here so we just have to handle our business out there in the middle, regardless of what's been happening off the field."

Australia have kept faith with the players who surrendered the Ashes in England three months ago.

Left-arm paceman Doug Bollinger, preferred to New South Wales team-mate Stuart Clark in a 12-man party, is the only member of the hosts' squad who did not tour England.

Vice-captain Michael Clarke and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin have recovered from the finger and back injuries that forced them to miss the recent one-day series in India.

Skipper Ricky Ponting confirmed that off-spinner Nathan Hauritz was set to feature in Brisbane, having been overlooked for the Ashes decider at the Oval.

"It's always important to have a specialist spinner I think," he said. "I can't see how this wicket here will be any different."